10 Warning Signs of Cancer

Because there are many types of cancer, symptoms can vary greatly between different diseases and between individuals. However, there are about 10 "red flag" symptoms of cancer that should be noted and require immediate medical attention.

1. Unexplained weight loss

You're not working or exercising harder than before, you're not dieting, and you're still eating as much as usual, yet you're experiencing significant weight loss, for example, 4 or 5 kg in a month. This type of unexplained weight loss should not be ignored. It could be a sign of cancer, especially colon cancer or cancer of other parts of the digestive tract.

You should see a doctor and describe in as much detail as possible when you started losing weight and how much weight you have lost. The doctor will perform some tests to rule out thyroid disease and recommend a CT scan to examine your internal organs.

2. Bloating

Bloating is a condition that almost everyone experiences at some point in their lives, due to menstruation, water retention, or indigestion. If you start experiencing unusual bloating unrelated to your menstrual cycle, you should pay close attention to what's happening. Is the bloating so severe that you can't fit into your clothes? Did it happen suddenly and has it been happening frequently for several weeks? Is it accompanied by pain or swelling in your abdomen or pelvis? Do you feel bloated and unable to eat, even though you didn't eat much before? All of these signs are known to be common in women with ovarian cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor to have your ovaries checked because this type of cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages. Early detection significantly increases the chances of a successful treatment outcome.

3. Abnormal bleeding

Any unusual bleeding outside of your usual menstrual cycle should be taken seriously. Understanding your body and your cycle is crucial to knowing when your period is due, how much blood you'll lose, and how it will feel. Essentially, you shouldn't ignore any unusual bleeding outside of your period. For example, if your cycle is usually very regular but suddenly becomes irregular, or if you have a normal, light cycle but suddenly experience heavy bleeding and pain, these are abnormalities that require medical attention. Other symptoms that may accompany unusual bleeding include foul-smelling vaginal discharge, bleeding after intercourse, or blood in the urine. All of these types of abnormal bleeding should be checked because they could be signs of cervical cancer or urinary tract cancer.

Bleeding can also originate from the digestive tract or parts of the urinary system, such as the bladder or kidneys. If you see blood in your urine or stool, it could be due to many things, such as hemorrhoids or vaginal bleeding, but it could also be a sign of bladder, kidney, or colorectal cancer, so you should see a doctor to rule them out.

Bladder, kidney, or colon cancer can also cause symptoms such as changes in bowel or bladder function. Pay attention if you notice signs of abnormal bowel and bladder activity, such as constipation, diarrhea, or persistent abdominal pain. More frequent urination, or pain during urination or bowel movements, are also signs to watch out for.

Finally, if you cough up blood more than once, you need to see a doctor immediately.

4. Changes in the breasts

Every woman needs to know her breasts well and should perform a self-examination at least once a month to detect lumps or other changes in breast tissue, on the skin surface, and on and around the nipple. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice redness and thickening of the skin on your breast, as this could be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer, a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer. A rash, scaling, or itching that lasts for several weeks should also be checked. Changes on the skin surface also include swelling, dimples, wrinkling, or bumps. Also, observe the nipple for any unusual changes in its shape. If the nipple suddenly starts leaking fluid (when not breastfeeding), becomes flattened, protrudes, or retracts (the opposite of normal), it's best to see a gynecologist immediately.

5. Changes in the skin

Changes in skin texture, warts, moles, or dark spots can all be signs of skin cancer. Melanoma is a common type of skin cancer and its symptoms are similar to skin lesions that change color, size, shape, or edges abnormally. If you have several skin lesions that look "funny" or different from your normal skin color, you should see a doctor. Also, pay attention to changes in moles or warts, such as them growing larger quickly, growing hair, or changing color or shape. Be alert if you suddenly experience bleeding or excessive peeling of the skin. Observe these changes for a week or two, and if there is no improvement, you should see a doctor.

6. Difficulty swallowing and frequent indigestion.

If you find it very difficult to swallow food and feel like food is always stuck in your throat when you eat, be wary, as this could be a symptom of esophageal or throat cancer. Persistent indigestion, unrelated to pregnancy or other obvious reasons, is also a warning sign. If you frequently feel nauseous, uncomfortable, or have a burning sensation in your upper abdomen, or vomit blood, these are early signs of esophageal, stomach, or throat cancer.

7. Persistent pain, fever, or cough

These are three of the most common and vague symptoms found in many diseases. It's extremely difficult to know whether they are due to cancer or something else, but they shouldn't be ignored. Unexplained pain, anywhere in the body, can be a sign of cancer. If the pain persists for a long time and cannot be explained by an injury or other illness, you should see a doctor and describe the pain as specifically as possible. Pay attention to when the pain started, the type of pain, and what makes it worse.

Fever is often a sign of an infection, such as the flu, viral infections, and bacterial infections, but it can also signal some types of cancer. The American Cancer Society states that fever is one of the symptoms that occurs with early-stage blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma. Of course, you don't need to rush to the doctor every time you have a fever. The important point is that if a fever is persistent and unexplained, you should see a doctor and not ignore it.

A persistent cough (lasting more than 3 or 4 weeks) unrelated to a cold or flu should also be considered. If lung cancer is suspected, especially in smokers, a doctor will examine the throat, check lung function, and order an X-ray.

8. Swollen lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are located in the neck, armpits, and groin. Normally, these nodes may be slightly enlarged if infected and will shrink once the infection is treated or completely resolved. However, if the nodes continue to enlarge for more than a month, or form persistent lumps unrelated to infection, you should be wary of the possibility of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

9. Changes and ulcers in the mouth

If you smoke or use tobacco, you should be aware of the signs of oral cancer. Symptoms include white patches on the oral mucosa, white spots on the tongue, or sores on the lips or inside the mouth. Skin and genital sores that don't heal, or cause bruising or excessive bleeding, should be checked by a doctor.

10. Fatigue and weakness

Finally, the most easily overlooked symptom of cancer is fatigue. Fatigue is so common in many conditions that it's often mistakenly attributed to cancer. However, cancer-related fatigue is likely different from the fatigue you experience after a long day at work. It leaves you feeling exhausted even after adequate rest or without exertion. The fatigue is persistent, doesn't go away with rest, and may be accompanied by unexplained weakness.

All 10 symptoms and signs described above are subtle and vague indicators of some underlying problem. Distinguishing cancer symptoms isn't easy, and you shouldn't panic just because of a sudden mole on your arm or a slight feeling of fatigue. Just remember that if these symptoms persist or appear without a clear reason, you should express your concerns to your doctor. It might be unnecessary worry, but it could be the life-saving solution.

According to dantri.com